HC Deb 10 February 1989 vol 146 cc1333-4

Ordered, That Mrs. Maureen Hicks be discharged from the Education, Science and Arts Committee and Mr. Jacques Arnold be added to the Committee—[Sir Marcus Fox, on behalf of the Committee of Selection.]

Mr. Ieuan Wyn Jones (Ynys Môn)

On a point of order, Mr. Deputy Speaker. If an hon. Member has an interest to declare, should he not declare it before shouting "object"?

Mr. Deputy Speaker

The House knows that hon. Members are obliged to record their interests in the Register of Interests. I have no power to require them to comply with the hon. Gentleman's suggestion.

Mr. Barry Porter (Wirral, South)

Further to that point of order, Mr. Deputy Speaker, and following the remarks of the hon. Member for Ynys Mon (Mr. Jones), I do have an interest. Sadly, I was unable to declare it or to outline my objections to his Bill in debate. The hon. Gentleman knows as well as I that there is some conflict between the industry and the idea that he wants to promote—but that is not irrecoverable—

Mr. Deputy Speaker

Order. I cannot allow the hon. Gentleman to make the speech that he might have made had we been debating the Bill. For him to enter upon a contentious matter like that would place an obligation on the Chair to allow contrary points of view. I cannot allow that to happen.

Mr. teuan Wyn Jones

Further to that point of order, Mr. Deputy Speaker. I seek your guidance. If an hon. Member has an interest is he allowed to object?

Mr. Deputy Speaker

There is no Standing Order or convention of the House that requires an hon. Member to declare any such interest.

Mr. Corbyn

Further to that point of order, Mr. Deputy Speaker—

Mr. Deputy Speaker

I do not think that the point of order has been made clear.

Mr. Corbyn

Two hon. Members have raised points of order, from which it seems that there is a great deal of unfinished business and unstated remarks on matters that have started. Are you prepared to allow the hon. Member concerned to express his interest in this matter.

Several Hon. Members

rose—

Mr. Deputy Speaker

Order. I thought I had made it clear that was just what I was not prepared to do, nor could I allow it.

Mr. Gerald Bermingham (St. Helens, South)

On a point of order, Mr. Deputy Speaker. Perhaps you could assist newcomers like me by saying how we are to know, in the heat of debate, what an interest is if we are not allowed to be told?

Mr. Deputy Speaker

The hon. Gentleman knows the rules about the register of interests, and that is the limit of the obligations.